Shipwreck Stew Recipe
Introduction
Shipwreck Stew is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for busy days when you want a warm, satisfying meal without much fuss. Loaded with ground beef, potatoes, and beans, it simmers slowly to develop rich flavors that everyone will love.

Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef (10% fat recommended)
- 3 medium russet potatoes, sliced
- 1 white onion, diced
- 2 celery ribs, sliced
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 15 oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 21 oz. Campbell’s tomato soup (two 10.5 oz. cans)
- 1 oz. packet taco seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups water
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain any excess fat. Transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
- Step 2: Add the sliced potatoes, diced onion, sliced celery, mushrooms, kidney beans, tomato soup, taco seasoning, and water to the slow cooker. Stir everything to combine well.
- Step 3: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 7 to 8 hours. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to keep the heat steady.
- Step 4: Once cooking is complete, stir the stew gently and serve. This stew is delicious as is or topped with shredded cheese for extra richness.
Tips & Variations
- For added spice, include a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Swap out the kidney beans for black beans or pinto beans to change the texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, reduce the water slightly or mash some of the potatoes before serving.
- Add a handful of fresh chopped cilantro or green onions as a fresh garnish just before serving.
Storage
Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This stew also freezes well—freeze in portions for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this stew without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can simmer all the ingredients in a large pot on the stove over low heat for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally until the potatoes are tender and flavors meld.
Is this stew gluten-free?
The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free taco seasoning and check that your tomato soup does not contain gluten ingredients. Always verify labels to be sure.
PrintShipwreck Stew Recipe
Shipwreck Stew is a hearty and comforting slow-cooked dish combining ground beef, potatoes, vegetables, kidney beans, and a flavorful tomato-based taco seasoning. Perfect for an easy, satisfying meal that develops rich flavors over several hours of slow cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef (10% fat)
- 3 medium russet potatoes, sliced
- 1 white onion, diced
- 2 celery ribs, sliced
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 15 oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 21 oz. Campbell’s tomato soup (two 10.5 oz. cans)
- 1 oz. packet taco seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups water
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat on the stovetop, brown the ground beef until fully cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the stew from being greasy.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. Add the sliced potatoes, diced onion, sliced celery, sliced mushrooms, rinsed kidney beans, tomato soup, taco seasoning packet, and water. Stir all ingredients together to combine well.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on the low setting for 7 to 8 hours. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to maintain heat and moisture inside for thorough and even cooking.
- Finish and Serve: After cooking completes, give the stew a good stir to mix the flavors, then serve hot. Optionally, top with shredded cheese or your favorite garnishes for extra flavor.
Notes
- For a thicker stew, reduce the amount of water by 1/4 cup or cook uncovered for the last 15 minutes.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more variety.
- Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess fat, but you can use other ground meats like turkey or chicken if preferred.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
Keywords: Shipwreck Stew, ground beef stew, slow cooker recipes, hearty stew, easy dinner, tomato soup stew

